A/N This is for Dodge City Angel, because I told her I might write it, although it was so long ago she's probably forgotten.

Part One

One Way Ticket

Kitty stood at the window that looked out over Front Street, careful to stay out of sight of anyone who might be trying to catch a glimpse of her. The person she wanted both the most and the least to see her wouldn't be looking at her window; that she already knew. Sam had reported that, while out of danger, he was still recuperating in Doc's back room; rumor had it that without her there to help keep an eye on him, Doc had had to resort to hiding his pants and boots in order to ensure his recovery. The thought made one side of her mouth twitch briefly in a grin in spite of her distress.

A light tap on the door interrupted her thoughts. Almost grateful for the momentary interruption of her thoughts of the painful decision she'd made after the shooting five nights before, she called out "Come in!" The door opened slowly. Louie Pheeters stood somewhat awkwardly at the threshold, hesitant to venture further. Kitty motioned him in, then walked over and closed the door most of the way behind him.

"Are you feeling any better, Miss Kitty?"

"I'm all right, Louie." That, of course, was a lie. She was far from all right, and she doubted she ever would be again. "I wonder if you would do a couple things for me."

"I'll do anything I can for you, Miss Kitty," Louie said gallantly, not quite meeting her eyes. They both knew there was one thing he couldn't do, not even for himself. Letting that pass, Kitty nodded toward a heap of valises and hat boxes near the door.

"Take my bags to the depot?"

"So it's true, then," he said mournfully. A statement, not a question.

"It's true."

"Isn't there anything-"

"No," she interrupted, barely able to hold onto her tears. "There isn't." She had asked Sam to get Louie, unable to bring herself to ask Doc, Newly or Festus to see her off. It was difficult enough saying goodbye to Louie, but she had to. She had one more favor to ask him.

"Before you go, Louie...there's someone I'd like you to look out for."

"You bet I will, Miss Kitty. I know I'm not much, but I'll help the marshal anyway I can."

"I know you will, Louie, you always have, but it's not Matt I'm talking about." Kitty turned around and scooped up the furry creature occupying the ornate chair at her writing desk. She held him up to her face and nuzzled her cheek against Pumpkins sleek coat. "It's like this, Louie. I'm not sure yet where I'm going to end up and I doubt very much he'll enjoy a stage ride anyway, so as much as I want to, I just don't see how I can take him with me. Will you look after him for me? I'll send for him if I can, but it might be permanent."

"Don't worry about a thing, Miss Kitty. Pumpkin and I are old friends. We'll get along right as rain."

"Thank you, Louie." Pumpkin, sensing that something was amiss, rubbed his head against Kitty's jaw. Hugging the cat gently, she kissed him on his cold nose, then held him out for Louie to take from her. The tears that had threatened her since Louie's arrival finally began to spill over. Quickly, she turned away to prevent him from seeing, and to keep from watching as Pumpkin was carried away.

TBC

A/N 2 I may have bent canon slightly with regard to the whereabouts of Matt's pants, because he was certainly wearing them when he got up to look out the window as Kitty was leaving.